Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman earns Messi comparison after signing pre-contract agreement

LONDON (AP) — Max Dowman, who became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League at the age of 15 this season, has signed a pre-contract agreement with Arsenal that will lead to him securing professional terms when he turns 17.

Arsenal announced the deal on Friday and manager Mikel Arteta appeared to draw comparisons with Lionel Messi when asked if he had seen a youngster with such talent and a strong mentality.

“What he’s done with us at the age of 15, me personally I haven’t seen it before,” Arteta said. "Only with a guy that used to play in Barcelona, but not even that.

“He (Dowman) has a certain charisma as well and personality as well. He doesn’t get overwhelmed, whether it’s by the situation, the stadium or the opponent. That’s a huge quality to have.”

Arteta was at Barcelona when Messi was coming through the ranks, though the Argentina great didn't make his competitive debut for the Spanish team until he was 17.

Dowman was 15 years, 208 days when he came on as a substitute in Arsenal's 3-0 win at Slavia Prague in November. No 15-year-old had previously played in Europe’s top club competition.

In August, he became the second-youngest player — behind Arsenal teammate Ethan Nwaneri — to feature in the Premier League.

England internationals Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly are other players to have come through the Arsenal academy in recent years.

“I’ve been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot," Dowman said. "There’s such a clear pathway here, players who have come through our academy, like Bukayo, Myles and Ethan, who all really inspire me.

"It’s amazing to have role models so close that have experienced the same thing that I have. I’m now so excited to continue to work hard with my development.”

Dowman, who still attends school, is a left-footed attacking midfielder who joined Arsenal at the age of 5 in May 2015 and made his debut for Arsenal’s under-18s at age 13. He was only 14 when he was asked by Arsenal Arteta to train with the senior team.

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FILE - Arsenal's Max Dowman warms up prior to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Slavia Prague and Arsenal in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart was activated off injured reserve and started Vegas' game Thursday night against the Calgary Flames.

Hart has been out since injuring his left leg Jan. 8 against Columbus.

John Tortorella, in his second game since replacing Bruce Cassidy, coached Hart in Philadelphia in from 2022-24.

“Carter and I have a really good relationship,” Tortorella said. "He's becoming a really good pro. I love the kid. We've had a lot of conversations. I think he's handled himself so well through some pretty hard times the past couple of years.

“I think he's a good kid. People have made judgments on him. People are still making judgments on him.”

Vegas signed Hart in October and he made his first appearance Dec. 2 in a 4-3 victory over Chicago. It was his first NHL appearance in nearly two years.

Hart was one of five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players acquitted of sexual assault in July. He was the first of those five agree to an NHL contract. The league ruled those players were eligible to sign deals beginning Oct. 15 and to play starting Dec. 1. Hart signed a two-year, $4 million contract.

With Hart back in the lineup, the Golden Knights have three goalies. Adin Hill has been operating as the starter, and Akira Schmid also is on the roster.

“I have no plan on how to attack it,” Tortorella said. “I have a plan on who the goalie's going to be the next game.”

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Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)